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The Digital Co-Pilot: Distracted Driving Prevention Technology

Mar 27, 2024 | 3 min read

Distracted driving is a pressing problem on U.S. roadways today. When drivers shift their focus from safe driving in any way, they potentially endanger themselves, their passengers, other drivers, and nearby pedestrians. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, crashes involving distracted driving caused more than 32,000 fatalities between 2012 and 2021.1089



The best way drivers can prevent distracted driving is to stay focused, and technology is emerging as a powerful tool to help. Of course, the ever-connected digital nature of our society today means technology can also be a big contributing factor to distracted driving—but when used the right way, it can serve as a digital co-pilot and an ally in distracted driving prevention.

How Distracted Driving Prevention Technology Can Help Promote Safer Driving Habits

 

As vehicles advance technologically, the following tools have emerged as helpful in preventing distractions while driving:

 

  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: These systems use sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to monitor the road and assist the driver in making safe decisions. Features like lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance systems act as a safety net. These will help prevent accidents, even when drivers are momentarily distracted.

     

  • Safe Driving Apps: Ingenious fixes have emerged to detect distracted driving in real time and combat it right when the moment happens. Smartphone apps such as LifeSaver use GPS tracking and sensors to detect when a vehicle is in motion. LifeSaver then blocks incoming calls, text messages, and notifications while the vehicle is in motion. This app also provides a reward system where users can earn points for safe driving and redeem them for various rewards.

     

  • Data Analytics: Technology enables the collection and analysis of vast amounts of data in relation to driving behavior. Insurance companies, for example, will utilize telematics devices to monitor policyholders’ driving habits. Safer driving is rewarded with lower premiums, creating a financial incentive to stay focused while on the road. What’s more, fleet managers can use tools like Ford ProTM Telematics867 to monitor and correct potentially hazardous driving behavior, such as speeding, harsh braking, etc.

     

  • Education and Awareness: Through social media campaigns, educational videos, and interactive websites, technology platforms are helping educate drivers about the risks and consequences of distracted driving and encourage them to change their on-the-road behavior.

     

By embracing distracted driving prevention technology, drivers can help reduce accidents and create a safer, more responsible driving culture for everyone on the road. In this digital age, technology is not just a part of the problem; it’s a vital part of the solution.

 
To learn more about how technology can contribute to your fleet’s culture of safe driving, check out Ford Pro™ Insure456 online or call 1-800-301-2618 for more information.

Disclosure(s)

  1. 1)

    “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” National Highway Safety Administration. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving

  2. 2)

    Available on vehicles with embedded modem or equipped with approved plug-in device (PID). May require modem activation. Ford Pro™ Telematics and Ford Pro™ Data Services require a purchased subscription. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data, depend on subscription and compatible cellular network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.

  3. 3)

    "Ford Pro Insure" is a brand of commercial auto policies issued by The American Road Insurance Company (“TARIC”) (NAIC 19631), an admitted insurance carrier and subsidiary of Ford Motor Company and Ford Credit. Ford Pro Insure policies are sold and administered by Pie Insurance Services, Inc. (“Pie Insurance”), a licensed insurance producer and non-affiliate of TARIC. (Licenses available at pieinsurance.com/legal/). Information provided is subject to Pie’s and TARIC’s privacy policies (pieinsurance.com/privacy and fordpro.com/privacy). Not available in all states and situations. Coverage subject to policy terms and conditions.